The Pentax K5 performs well in terms of SNR, but it is even better with respect to dynamic range. The performance is especially impressive at low ISO speeds. Between ISO 100 and ISO 400, the D7000 has exactly the same metrics, but the Pentax K5 takes the lead by providing better DR at ISO 80. And from ISO 800 on, the K5 takes the lead; this tendency is increased from ISO 3200 thanks to the smoothing observed in the K5 processing, although this smoothing alters resolution. So in this case, the advantage also implies an inconvenience.

The A580 does not perform as well as its competitors in the very low ISO settings, being almost 1stop beneath the K5 and D7000. At ISO 400, the A580 metrics match those of the D7000, and remain a little below those of the K5.

If these 3 sensors once again show very close performances, the EOS 60D and the a55 here again show some weaknesses: At low ISO speeds, the 60D is more than 3 stops under a K5 or a D7000. This is huge. The a55 performs a bit better, being “only” 2 stops under a K5 at low ISO settings. But the difference between those two sensors and the top three is more than obvious.

Further readings for the DxOMark review for APS-C camera 2010 : who takes the lead ?

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

We are already acquainted with the D3200: apart from a few ergonomic details, it’s the same camera as the compact and lightweight D3100 SLR, though missing the secondary display on its bridge for even greater compactness. The D3200 weighs only 454 grams (without battery or card). Unlike the D3100, the D3200’s lens is off-center for better balance and the highly practical LiveView/video mode activation tab of the D3100 and the D5100 has disappeared in favor of a more ergonomically mundane video recording button. The D3200 comes with a second (dorsal) infrared sensor to complement its front sensor for more practical infrared remote control. The motor selection tab (single-frame, burst, timer, remote control) is gone as well, again replaced by a direct-access button.

The Nikon D5100 replaces the D5000 in Nikon’s lineup; it finds its place right below the Nikon D7000, according to Nikon’s marketing the D90 is still positioned between the D5100 and the D7000, however the spec sheet and the performances of the D5100 make this hard to believe.

This is because the D5100 shares the same Sony 16 megapixels sensor as the D7000. The major difference between the two bodies being the AF: 11 points with 3D tracking for the D5100 (presumably the “old” MultiCam 1000 already used on the D90) versus the 39 points with 3D tracking now used on the D7000.